1.2: Escape the Procrastination Trap
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, the learner will:
- Understand what procrastination is and why we do it.
- Strategize how to deal with procrastination so that it does not impede progress toward set goals.
Escape the procrastination trap
What is procrastination?
Definition: To delay an intended course of action despite expecting to be worse off for the delay (Steel, 2007). The nature of procrastination: A meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure.
Why do we procrastinate?
Procrastination is not a “one size fits all” problem. We procrastinate for a variety of different reasons. The first step in tackling procrastination is to do some detective work – to figure out – without judgment – why it might be that you procrastinate.
Reasons for Procrastination
People procrastinate for a variety of different reasons:
- Not being sure of how to do the task at hand. If a task seems difficult, or if you’re not sure you know how to complete it, it is natural to avoid tackling it.
- The task to be done doesn’t interest you, and it seems preferable to work on tasks (e.g. other courses) that are more in line with your personal interests. You may lack motivation to work on the task.
- Fear of not doing well on the task. Trying hard at a task and failing might seem worse than failing because you didn’t try. Often a root cause of this type of procrastination is perfectionism.
- Or, you might fear the opposite. Some people fear being too successful, because the result of this success is that people will expect more of you the next time.
Identifying the cause of procrastination can help you move towards a solution. Here are some suggested solutions for each of the four causes mentioned above:
| I’m not sure I know how to do it |
Look for ways to develop your skills in the areas where you feel unsure of your ability to be successful. For example:
Rather than procrastinating, you can empower yourself to be successful. The skills you gain will help you not only on one task, but on other related tasks in the future. |
| I’m not interested in this task/it isn’t motivating for me |
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| I’m afraid of failing/I’m afraid of what success might mean |
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Getting Started
A key aspect of overcoming procrastination is developing strategies to get started. Often, committing to complete one small task can be enough to begin moving ahead. For example, just taking out your laptop, creating a document, and typing the title can create some forward momentum.
A well-known technique for managing time that can help with procrastination is called the Pomodoro Technique . This technique is a method of managing procrastination by breaking down your work periods into small, manageable units. Here’s how it works:
- Choose the task you want to accomplish.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes- no interruptions are allowed!
- Work until the timer rings.
- Take a short break.
- Do up to 4 Pomodoros and then take a longer break.
Why the Method Works
The Pomodoro technique can help you push past procrastination and create forward momentum because it requires you to commit to only a small, manageable period of work. In addition, it can help you discipline yourself to work without interruptions, and can create awareness of how much time individual tasks take. Lastly, this method allows you to reward yourself with frequent breaks, which maintains motivation.
Activity 2.1 Defeat procrastination
Take some concrete steps this week to defeat procrastination.
- Of the reasons listed above, why do you tend to procrastinate? What is one step you will take this week to defeat procrastination?
- Try the Pomodoro technique once this week. Do you find that it helps you get started and stay focused?